Warner's World Cup Words of Warning

Australian opener David Warner is blistering with the bat and just as wild with his words. The 28 year old who polarises cricket fans, even Australian supporters, doesn’t shy away from giving his opinion on and off the field. But risking a suspension for any antics during matches at the World Cup it seems Warner would rather have his say to the media than in the middle. On the eve of the tournament he dismissed first up opponents England as a contender for international cricket’s most prized possession stating other sides would be Australia’s biggest threat. Conveniently the Aussie will only face one of the three teams he talked up, in the group stage.

Warner’s World Cup Contenders

Eyebrows were raised when Warner selected South Africa, Sri Lanka and the West Indies as the nations he believed could stop Australia winning the World Cup for a fifth time. Sri Lanka have done so before, South Africa are always in the mix before choking but it was Warner’s third pick that really got us wondering whether he was playing mind games. The West Indies weren’t among the favourites before a ball was bowled and after a first up loss to Ireland they’ll be lucky to make it out of their pool.

His failure to give India hope may stem from the fact the Indians were poor in the recent One Day Series with both Australia and England or possibly because he’s not exactly best buds with Australia’s most recent test opponents. Their omission won’t bother India and the defending champions made a solid start to their campaign, crushing Pakistan. New Zealand too were shunned despite the Co-Hosts heading into the tournament in terrific form. But the Black Caps win over Sri Lanka in the opening match was more likely due to wanting to get off to a good start rather than proving a point to Dave Warner.

England Unimpressive

Warner was spot on about England though. The New South Welshman insisted the Poms would need to improve 50 to 60 percent to be any chance of lifting the trophy. Perhaps that number may even be higher after what England mustered against Australia on the opening day of the competition. The English face the Kiwis on Friday and could very easily start the World Cup with back to back losses if they don’t pick up their game.

As for Warner, he’s one of the players at the World Cup with a black mark next to his name. Meaning any aggressive on field behaviour not in the spirit of the cricket would more than likely see him suspended immediately. So best let your bat do the bulk of the talking Dave. Next Up for Australia is Bangladesh on Saturday before they take on their trans Tasman rivals across the ditch.